Global tech giant, Microsoft has unveiled a one million dollar initiative to equip one million Nigerians with Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills for the next two years.
This was announced by Microsoft’s Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams, during the Microsoft AI tour in Lagos on Wednesday.
“I am so delighted to announce that as Microsoft in Nigeria, we will be investing one million dollar in the next two years to empower one million Nigerians with AI tools,” the delighted Williams announced.
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She added that with this training, Nigerian youths can earn a sustainable means of livelihood as well compete with their counterparts on the global stage.
“This is a significant investment in our drive to ensure that everyone has access to the right skills required not just to use AI but to build solutions on AI, build businesses on AI that will be a sustainable means of livelihood for Nigerians and give Nigerian youths the opportunity to compete globally with their counterparts.
“At Microsoft, we believe that AI has the potential to transform economies and societies. Our commitment to enhancing AI skills in Nigeria is a testament to our dedication to empowering individuals and organisations to achieve more. By investing in digital skills training and collaborating with the Nigerian government, we aim to create a future-ready workforce that can drive innovation and economic growth in the country,” says Williams.
Microsoft Unveils $1m Initiative To Skill One Million Nigerians In Artificial Intelligence#CTVTweets pic.twitter.com/StNsYBL15t
— Channels Television (@channelstv) February 19, 2025
The Microsoft AI tour discusses the future potential of AI and its opportunities across various sectors. The event features presentations and panel discussions with AI experts and industry leaders including senior Microsoft leadership who provide insights into the future of AI and its impact on business and society.
President of Microsoft Africa, Lillian Barnard, also hinted on the impact of AI in business operation noting that it goes beyond ‘mere business acumen.’
“Harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic vision, but a tangible reality for organisations seeking to achieve exponential growth and optimisation.
“Microsoft believes that understanding the impact of AI on business goes beyond mere business acumen. Leaders need to be adept at launching, supporting, and evaluating AI initiatives in alignment with strategic business objectives. The Microsoft AI Tour is an exciting opportunity for business leaders, technical practitioners, and AI enthusiasts to come together and explore the phenomenal potential of this transformative technology,” she said.
The AI Skilling Initiative investment will expand Microsoft’s skilling programmes to reach one million Nigerians by 2026, including business leaders and senior executives in the public sector. The investment aligns with the Nigerian government’s national priorities to boost economic growth, promote social development and inclusion, drive industrialisation, foster technological advancement, and invest in digital and creative enterprises.
Microsoft began its investment in skills development in Nigeria in 2021 in partnership with the Government of Nigeria to upskill Nigerians via the 3MTT platform. By the start of 2024, four million Nigerians had interacted
with the platform.
